2026 FIFA World Cup Group F: Standings, Schedule, and Team Overview

Group F Overview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin with the United States, Canada, and Mexico hosting this expanded tournament featuring 48 teams. Group F includes Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, and Sweden. The six matches of the group stage will be held in Arlington, Guadalupe, and other venues. Depending on their performance, two or three of these teams will move on to the knockout rounds.

Group F Match Schedule

• Sun, June 14, 4 p.m. ET: Netherlands vs. Japan at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
• Sun, June 14, 10 p.m. ET: Sweden vs. Tunisia at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, MEX
• Sat, June 20, 1 p.m. ET: Netherlands vs. Sweden at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
• Sat, June 21, 12 a.m. ET: Tunisia vs. Japan at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, MEX
• Thu, June 25, 7 p.m. ET: Tunisia vs. Netherlands at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• Thu, June 25, 7 p.m. ET: Japan vs. Sweden at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

How Ties Are Broken in Group Stage

If teams end up level on points after the group matches, these steps decide who ranks higher:

• Results between the tied teams
• Goal difference in those head-to-head games
• Goals scored in those matches
• If still tied, overall goal difference across all group matches
• Overall goals scored in the group stage
• Team conduct score based on yellow and red cards
• Most recent FIFA rankings

Advancement of Third-Place Teams

Because the tournament includes 48 teams, the top eight third-place finishers from the groups will also move on to the Round of 32. Their ranking depends on points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct score, and FIFA rank.

Profiles of Group F Teams

Netherlands

The Dutch team has a history of coming close but never claiming the World Cup, having lost four finals including those in 1974, 1978, 2010, and most recently reaching the quarterfinals in Qatar 2022. They cruised through qualifying undefeated in UEFA Group G. Ronald Koeman, back as coach since January 2023, leads a squad featuring stars like Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Cody Gakpo.

FIFA Ranking: 7World Cup Appearances: 11 (last in 2022)Coach: Ronald Koeman

Japan

Japan secured qualification early with strong performances, winning six out of seven matches in AFC qualifying. They have qualified for eight consecutive World Cups but never advanced beyond the Round of 16, often falling after promising starts in previous tournaments. Key players include captain Wataru Endo and winger Takefusa Kubo. Kaoru Mitoma, a bright attacking option, is absent due to injury.

FIFA Ranking: 18World Cup Appearances: 7 (last in 2022)Coach: Hajime Moriyasu

Tunisia

Tunisia has become a regular World Cup participant, marking their seventh appearance and third in a row for 2026. Their qualifying campaign was flawless, winning nine games and drawing one without conceding a goal. New coach Sabri Lamouchi faces pressure to maintain the team’s defensive solidity. Key players include Elias Achouri, Elias Saad, and Hannibal Mejbri.

FIFA Ranking: 44World Cup Appearances: 6 (last in 2022)Coach: Sabri Lamouchi

Sweden

Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden still earned their spot via playoffs, beating Poland in their final qualifier. Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres leads the scoring, while Liverpool’s Alexander Isak hopes to recover from injury in time. Managed by Graham Potter, the team blends experience and youth from top European leagues.

FIFA Ranking: 38World Cup Appearances: 12 (last in 2018)Coach: Graham Potter

Odds and Predictions for Group F

Watching the 2026 World Cup

In the United States, Fox holds the English-language broadcast rights, with streaming available on Fubo, which offers a free trial. Other countries have various broadcasters: TSN and Amazon Prime in Canada, BBC and ITV in the UK, SBS in Australia, and others pending announcement.

Knockout Stage Path for Group F Teams

The Group F winner will face the runner-up of Group C in the Round of 32, while the Group F runner-up meets the winner of Group C. Third-place teams advancing could be placed in one of five potential knockout bracket spots, depending on overall rankings among third-place qualifiers.

Round of 32 Key Matches Involving Group F

• Mon, June 29, 9 p.m. ET: 1st Group F vs. 2nd Group C at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, MEX
• Mon, June 29, 1 p.m. ET: 1st Group C vs. 2nd Group F at NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

The knockout rounds continue through July with quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place match, and the final at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ on July 19.